Helen Radford

Helen Elizabeth Nee’ Simpson Radford, formerly of Quartzsite, AZ and Emmett, ID, passed away peacefully in Lehi, UT on Friday, September 6th at the age of 94.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Don William Radford and her son, Micheal Weston Radford. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Heninger (Mark), daughter-in-law, Linda Radford (Micheal), and grandchildren, Steven, Mike, Wade, Amy, Jeff, and Jody, as well as a host of many other relatives and friends.

Helen was born on July 7, 1925 to Chancy Weston Simpson and Gladys Simpson in Rigby, ID. She was the oldest of four daughters, followed by Marcia, Melba and Norma. The four girls were close growing up, and Helen often mothered the others, especially Norma.

Helen worked hard at her education growing up and took great pride in her accomplishments there. While in high school she started dating Don William Radford. During the Second World War, in the midst of difficulties due to rationing, the family helped the couple continue their courtship. They were married November 9, 1944 and moved to Shelly, ID into a house owned by her father. Helen always said they had hot and cold running mice, but no running water.

On September 9, 1945, Micheal was born and Karen came along three years later on October 12, 1948. After several moves in the Idaho Falls area, the family settled in Mackay, ID. Don and Helen loved their ranch there and both began working at the Atomic Energy Site to support it. In 1989 the couple moved to Emmett, ID where they spent their summers.

When Don retired, they purchased land in Quartzsite, AZ in a new cooperative and worked to develop the site for the Gold Star Park. Don and Helen really enjoyed their home there and the many friendships they made over the years.

Don passed away, following a battle with cancer, in 1998. Following his death, Helen remained her spunky and fun-loving self. She served a mission in Oklahoma 2000 - 2001. She traveled with her sisters and friends and still loved her winters in Quartzsite.

Helen will be greatly missed by her friends and family, but is thrilled to be reunited with those who have passed on before her.

There will a small graveside service at the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery in Ririe, Idaho on September 21, 2019 at 11:00am. Helen will be interred alongside her beloved husband.